Having Confidence in Christ
Sunday’s Verses:
From Matthew 15:22-23a ESV
And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word.
In church today, our Gospel is taken from Matthew 15 where a Canaanite mother comes to Jesus with one urgent plea: “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David.” Her daughter is suffering, and she will not be turned away.
At first, Jesus’ response is difficult to hear. He is silent; then His words seem to place her outside the circle of Israel’s promise. Yet the woman does not argue that she deserves anything. She does not appeal to her goodness, her background, or her religious standing. Instead, she clings to Jesus’ mercy: “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
That is faith—not confidence in ourselves, but confidence in Christ. Like this mother, we come to Jesus empty-handed, trusting that even the smallest gift from him is more than enough. And Jesus does not finally withhold mercy. He praises her faith and heals her daughter.
The Gospel reminds us that God’s grace in Christ is not a reward for those who have earned a place at the table. It is bread for the hungry, mercy for the desperate, and healing for those who know they cannot save themselves. In Baptism, Christ has brought us near. At his Table, he gives not crumbs, but his very body and blood for us.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of David, have mercy on us. Give us faith that clings to your promises, even when we cannot understand your ways. Feed us with Your grace, strengthen us in every trial, and bring healing and hope to all who suffer; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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